1st August 2026

Explanation - The ambitious Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery aims to restore Cauvery and its tributaries on the lines of the Ganga Restoration and Rejuvenation. The agenda is to have a multi-departmental approach for bio-diversity conservation, afforestation, cleaning of river surface, setting up sewerage treatment plant (STP), river front development and rejuvenation of the river and its main tributaries - Bhavani, Amaravathi and Noyyal.

Explanation - The first step towards the formation of the Council occurred in 1991 when the eight Arctic countries signed the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy (AEPS). The Arctic Council was created with the signing of the Ottawa Declaration on 19 September 1996 in Canada. India got the observer status at the Kiruna Ministerial Meeting in 2013. As per the Ottawa declaration, the following 8 countries form the Arctic States: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States. The Ottawa Declaration established the Arctic Council as a forum for promoting cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic states, with the involvement of the Arctic Indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants on issues such as sustainable development and environmental protection. The Arctic Council has conducted studies on climate change, oil and gas, and Arctic shipping. The Ottawa Declaration explicitly excludes any military security and the Arctic Council is a forum with no enforcement powers. The projects and work is sponsored and carried out by member states or other entities. India had launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean in 2007 to carry out researches in Glaciology, Atmospheric sciences & Biological sciences. A research base was set up at International Arctic Research Base at Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, Norway in July 2008 and was named ‘Himadri’.

Explanation - The NAKSHA programme aims to create and update land records in urban areas to ensure accurate and reliable documentation of land ownership. This initiative is designed to empower citizens, improve urban planning, and reduce land-related disputes.

Explanation - Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), also known as serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), it is an enzyme found predominantly inside liver cells. It is also found in other tissues such as the kidneys, heart, and muscle cells. It plays a crucial role in metabolism, turning food into energy. ALT is one component of the liver function test, which includes other liver enzymes and measures of liver function. The ALT test is often part of an initial screening for liver disease. What is an ALT test? An ALT test is also known as a serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) test or an alanine transaminase test. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, ALT leaks into the bloodstream. This causes serum ALT levels to rise. An increase in ALT is often the first sign of a liver problem, and ALT is often elevated before other symptoms appear. ALT testing is performed on a blood sample.

Explanation - It is a new centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The Fund aims to build resilient, productive, inclusive and climate-responsive cities, positioning those as key driver of the country’s next phase of economic growth. Features of the Urban Challenge Fund — A minimum of 50 per cent of project financing have to be mobilised from market sources, including municipal bonds, bank loans and Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs). The remaining share may be contributed by States, Union Territories (UTs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) or other sources. Projects will be selected through a transparent and competitive challenge mode, ensuring support to high-impact and reform-oriented proposals. Focus area — A strong thrust on reforms across Urban Governance, Market & Financial systems, Operational efficiency, and Urban Planning The Fund will cover — All cities with a population of 10 lakh or more (2025 estimates); All State and Union Territory capitals not covered above; and Major industrial cities with a population of 1 lakh or more Additionally, all ULBs in hilly States, North-Eastern States, and smaller ULBs with population below 1 lakh will be eligible for support under the Credit Repayment Guarantee Scheme.